The Boy in the Bookstore | l.s ✔

Twenty One

Days until Louis' birthday: 23

It was December 1st, and it had been just over a week since Harry had first painted his nails and Louis had kissed Harry on the hill in front of everyone. It was early morning, and Harry's alarm had just gone off. Remembering the date, he quickly rushed downstairs to get the small piece of chocolate out of his advent calendar. Christmas bought back bad memories from his dad leaving, but he enjoyed the festive season as a whole. The cold weather felt almost soothing to him. Thoughts of short days, cookies and hot chocolates fled through his brain., making him feel safe. He lay there thinking of all the winter activities that he was looking forward to this year. He wanted to include Louis' family in his traditions as much as possible, making the large family feel like they had something to look forward to was important to Louis. Harry walked into the kitchen and saw paper decorations and Christmas lights already put up. He assumed that his mum and Louis' sisters had made them after school the night before as he didn't recognise them. It was a Friday, so Harry knew himself and Louis would have the weekend to put up decorations. Harry just wanted the school day to be over before it had even started, he just wanted to snuggle down in his bed and sleep. He was tired, and he didn't know if it was because he hadn't slept well the night before or if the fact that it was still dark outside was making him sleepy. He trudged into the kitchen and poured water into the kettle so that he could make himself a cup of tea. It was just past 7:30am. Harry rested his head on his arms and shut his eyes sleepily. When he woke up, Gemma was stood beside him, laughing. He looked at the clock which read 8am. He reached for his tea, drinking a bit then spitting it out when he realised it had gone cold.

'Someone's tired. Didn't you sleep well? Was someone up all night texting his boyfriend again?' Gemma asked, [playfully taunting Harry who was blushing a dark shade of red.

'Give it a rest, Gem.' Harry said sleepily. Gemma walked over and ruffled Harry's curls with her hand. He tried to get her to stop, but he wasn't exactly the most assertive person. He made himself a fresh cup of tea and drank it quickly. He then ran up stairs and lazily threw on his uniform. The ground was dusted white with frost. Knowing it would be cold out, Harry pulled on his winter coat. It was too big for him, but he liked that. It felt kind of like a warm hug.

There was a knock at the door. Harry had completely forgotten that he had made arrangements to meet up with Louis before school. Quickly brushing his teeth and sorting out his mess of curls. He stuffed a beanie on his head, grabbed his bag and ran down stairs to meet Louis, who was standing next to Gemma. They were laughing about something - probably Harry falling asleep over breakfast - and talking. Harry was glad that the two got on, himself and Gemma were very close and it was important to him that Gemma approved of Louis.

'How's my Hazza?' Louis said, seeing Harry. Harry walked towards Louis shyly, looking down. He really did have feelings for the older boy, and he loved it when Louis called Harry 'his'. It made him feel like he had a purpose.

'Hi Lou.' Harry said, smiling the small smile that came out when Louis flirted with him. Louis kissed Harry softly on the cheek. Harry's hand found its way to Louis' hand and they intertwined their fingers. Louis gave Harry a small yet comforting smile, making Gemma groan.

'Urgh, it's sad when my fifteen year old brother has a better relationship than me. Go, both of you.' Gemma said, playfully pushing Harry and Louis out of the door.

'Gemma, I meant to ask. Are you and Anne okay to have the girls here after school again? Sorry, I know its lot, I don't want you to think I'm taking advantage of your kind offer...'

'Louis, how many times do I have to tell you it's not a problem? I love having the girls around, so does mum. They helped decorate the kitchen with fairy lights last night.'